Finally, an attempt at historical accuracy. Unlike previous Greek myth films such as Clash of The Titans or Immortals, we can rest easy knowing that the story of Troy won’t be desecrated with typical Hollywood hyperbole. Episode one is the story of Paris from his horrific birth, to herdsman peasant lifestyle, and finally reinstatement as Trojan Prince, a promising attempt to portray the origin myth. Although, there has been some controversy over the mixed ethnicity of characters. Many, especially including Greeks themselves, are displaying particular upset at the casting of David Gyasi, known for his roles in Interstellar and Cloud Atlas as Achilles.
The series’ filming takes place in South Africa, Cape town, and screen writer David Farr, who worked on critically acclaimed The Night Manager suggests that we could be in for another hit. Other exciting elements include the Gods, who appear more primitive and wild then traditional
renaissance depictions, harking back to a more likely depiction in what was not a stereotypical 5th century classical world, but the mythical 12th century Greek World. We are subjected to Helen of Sparta’s somewhat entertaining feathery outfits which are probably stylistically more accurate than the toga, golden laurel leaf crown and large gold earrings we see on Diane Kruger playing Helen in Troy (2004).
The final scene of Paris opening a mysteriously large box, sent aboard his ship by Helen as he sails into the sun set provokes one into watching the next episode. As a story countlessly told and retold over centuries there is still the necessary appeal needed to hook you into the next episode.
To summarize, it is likely that the casting choices will continue to be met with negativity but for those who are myth fanatics, they will be delighted with the trueness of the story-line and general stylisation.
Historical accuracy? You gotta be kidding. The Trojans are besieged and starving, so they reopen some tunnels to the province of Cilicia, where food is plentiful. From Troy (NW Turkey) to Cilicia (SE Turkey) has to be well over 1000 miles, so I guess the tunnellers must really have worked like Trojans, eh? Secondly, Achilles and his Myrmidons hailed from Thessaly (NE Greece), so not sure how many Nubians would have been living there around 1200 B.C. Unlikely, I think. Watch this space for further schoolboy howlers.